Dates: August 31, 2024 to September 1, 2024
Weekend driving and first night on property:
I recently visited Walt Disney World for, I don't know, the 1000th time maybe. This year my trip started on August 31st with my long drive to Orlando from NJ. I spent one week at Walt Disney World with my father. I don't drive straight through, I do stop over night to rest and sleep. I would usually drive 10 hours on day one, then finish the last 6 hours day two.
On Saturday, August 31st, my farther and I woke up early, 6:00AM, to get ourselves going. We made sure my car was packed and we had everything. Then we went to a local diner for breakfast. After eating, we returned home because, of course, I did forget something. After picking up what I forgot, we headed back out. I filled the tank and off onto the NJ Turnpike I went.
First, let me say I love the drive. I know it is love, but there is something still peaceful about driving the countryside. Virginia, I don't love driving through your state. Sorry, I don't. The state feels like it will never end, and like clockwork, there is always unnecessary traffic. This year, much of the same. NJ, Delaware, and Maryland were uneventful. Virginia, yep, the unnecessary traffic. However, we did hit a 30 minute delay in the southern portion of the state due to a severe accident. Still hoping to this day all involved are OK. Seeing some of the accidents this trip, yea, makes one appreciate things even more, that's how bad some of these were.
Anyway, my first stop was in Virginia for gas. Second stop was North Carolina. We were running several minutes behind due to that one really bad Virginia accent and a few smaller fender benders. Then, I get a call from the hotel I booked to stay at. Same hotel I always book, in Manning, SC. They never call, so of course, I was worried. I spoke to the lady at the front desk and she wanted to confirm if I was still arriving and what time. I originally planned on being there between 6:00PM and 6:30PM, but returning home and the delays took me to 7:30PM. We made it to South Carolina, but we skipped South of the Border. I didn't want to lose any more time than I already lost. And no, we didn't stop at Buc-ee's either. Never been honestly.
We arrived at the hotel, and I went to check in. Front desk told me they called because they were really busy for the night, having people walk in wanting a room. So, they wanted to make sure we were still arriving so they could continue to hold the room. She said they always have a lot of people book ahead of time, but never show up, and they wind up turning guests away, thus not filling the room (and not making money). And with it being a holiday weekend, they wanted to make sure. I completely understood, just scared me since they never call.
Anyway, my father and I brought out over night bag up to the room. We contacted family at home letting them know we were safe and at the hotel. We then went over to Shoney's for dinner. After having a delish hamburger from Shoney's, we walked back to the hotel, and relaxed. We put on college football, and were off to dreamland by 11:00PM.
You're dead if you aim only for kids. Adults are only kids grown up, anyway.
- Walt Disney
My alarm rang at 7:00AM, as planned. However, neither my father or I wanted to get up just yet, so we put the alarm on sleep for one hour. Finally, 8AM, we were awake. We packed the car and went over to Shoney's for breakfast. Yes, I am a Shoney's fan. After breakfast, we made one last check of the room, and then off to check out and back on the road. All by 9:00AM. As long as things worked, arrival time in Disney would be 3:00PM to 3:30PM.
South Carolina and Georgia were smooth sailing, with one stop in Georgia for gas. Then, we arrive in Florida.....
Florida was not as smooth. There were two accidents on 95 we came upon, one delaying us 15 minutes. Again, we didn't care out the delay, we just hoped everyone was OK. Then, we hit a monsoon. Not rain, a monsoon, right before we got to the I4 exit. Was so bad, visibility was limited.
My plan was to exit off I4 and take 417. However, I missed the exit since visibility was horrible. Then, the rain let up, and it appeared skies would be clearing. Well, that was a lie! Rain was on and off the length of I4. Now, I didn't drive I4 last year, trying 417, experiencing no I4 traffic, and loving it. Noticed the EZ Pass lanes were now complete. And I fell in love with what they did with I4. Can't wait til they fix I4 near Disney and finish that roadwork.
I finally arrived at Walt Disney World, a little later than I wanted, but that is neither here nor there. We arrived. And prior to arriving, I received my text that my room was ready. Upon arriving, the guard just waved me in, didn't even check my ID. We went right to the room. We were staying at Old Key West, by the Hospitality House. We were directly across from the bus and store.
After bringing up some of our items, we reached out to family to inform them we arrived and were safe. We then relaxed a bit because I had ADR for Maria and Enzo's at 7:00PM. Maria and Enzo's is one of our favorites, and we dine there every time we go, usually on our arrival day.
Evening plans were to dine at Maria and Enzo's then watch the drone show at Disney Springs. After eating, we decided to just go back to the room. We were tired, and we didn't want to stand around for the show. So, back to Old Key West we went. Honestly, was probably the right decision. We pretty much crashed out once we got back anyway. Needed to rest up because out first full day was to be spend in Animal Kingdom.
Next up Been there. Done that. Going back: Animal Kingdom
You're dead if you aim only for kids. Adults are only kids grown up, anyway.
- Walt Disney
Long drives can really make folks tired!! Glad you got all settled into y our resort and are ready for some Disney parks!!
Linda aka: Faline
INTERCOT Staff: Vacation Planning,Trip Reports and Disney Camping
[email protected]
From my city to Disney World is about 16 to 17 hours. I love the drive. People ask me how I can drive that long distance. I honestly don't mind it. Worst state to drive through is Virginia. Always hit traffic in Virginia. But this time, the traffic came from accidents. usually there is no explanation. Otherwise, I really do love the drive. Seeing the countryside of the Carolinas. Then the palm trees in Georgia. And then the madness that is I-4.Long drives can really make folks tired!! Glad you got all settled into y our resort and are ready for some Disney parks!!
If I go solo, I usually take Amtrak. But I just checked Amtrak for next year. They removed the morning train, which I usually took. So now, the only train out of Newark Penn Station/NYC is a 330pm train. I can always take an early morning train, then sit in DC for several hours. But, I really don't want to do that. And also, I won't or don't want to sit coach. I prefer the roommette. And they have skyrocketed the price to almost $720, one way. Would cost me $1400 round trip. No sir. No way. Driving cost me less that $700 TOTAL, including gas and two hotels. Yea, Amtrak will be losing me. My fear though is I no longer can make solo trips since I don't fly. I took Amtrak for my solo trips.
You're dead if you aim only for kids. Adults are only kids grown up, anyway.
- Walt Disney
